Breast cancer in younger women in Switzerland 1996-2009 : a longitudinal population-based study

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of death in younger women. METHODS: We analysed incidence, mortality and relative survival (RS) in women with BC aged 20-49 years at diagnosis, between 1996 and 2009 in Switzerland. Trends are reported as estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC). RESULTS: Our findings confirm a slight increase in the incidence of BC in younger Swiss women during the period 1996-2009. The increase was largest in women aged 20-39 years (EAPC 1.8%). Mortality decreased in both age groups with similar EAPCs. Survival was lowest among women 20-39 years (10-year RS 73.4%). We observed no notable differences in stage of disease at diagnosis that might explain these differences. CONCLUSIONS: The increased incidence and lower survival in younger women diagnosed with BC in Switzerland indicates possible differences in risk factors, tumour biology and treatment characteristics that require additional examination.

Indenture between William Dickson [Jr.] and Robert M. Wilson, February 7, 1859.

William Dickson (1799-1877) was the son of the prominent Niagara businessman and politician William Dickson (1769-1846). William was educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, and settled in Galt, Ontario, upon his return to Canada. His father had business affairs in Dumfries and Galt, which he left in his sons charge when he retired to Niagara in 1837. William had an older brother, Robert, and younger brother, Walter, both of whom served in the Militia and became involved in politics.

Bulloch, Lade & Co. Order Form, 31 August 1870

An order form for the exportation of scotch pure malt whiskies, distilled by Bulloch, Lade & Co.

Agroforestry: integrating apple and arable production as an approach to reducing copper use in organic and low-input apple production

Integrating top fruit production into an agroforestry system, where trees are integrated with arable crop production may have a beneficial effect on the control of plant pathogens such as scab (Venturia inaequalis). Apple yields and pest and disease levels were assessed in a novel apple/arable agroforestry system in Suffolk, and compared with a modern local organic orchard in 2012. Despite 2012 being a very bad year for apple production in the UK, apple yields in the agroforestry system appeared to be comparable with standard figures when scaled up from 2.5% land area under apple production to 100% apples, and even at just 2.5% cover, outperformed the organic orchard used for comparison. Initial indications are that scab levels were over twice as high in the organic orchard than in the agroforestry, indicating that this approach may offer some potential in reducing copper use in organic apple production. However, further research will be required to confirm these early results.